KAPLAN PHARMACOLOGY A,B,C EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
EXAM OVERVIEW
A concise exam question bank for fast review with focused practice, clear answers, and
rationale sections.
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of
beta-blockers?
A. Stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors to increase heart rate.
B. Block beta-adrenergic receptors leading to decreased heart rate and contractility.
C. Inhibit calcium influx in cardiac muscle causing vasodilation.
D. Activate alpha-adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction.
Answer:B. Block beta-adrenergic receptors leading to decreased heart rate and contractility
Rationale: Beta-blockers antagonize beta-adrenergic receptors, decreasing heart rate and
myocardial contractility, reducing cardiac workload.
Question 2: A patient prescribed digoxin complains of nausea and visual
disturbances. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Advise the patient to stop digoxin immediately.
B. Check the patient’s serum digoxin level and potassium level.
C. Increase the dose of digoxin as symptoms indicate inefficacy.
D. Administer an antiemetic and monitor symptoms.
Answer:B. Check the patient’s serum digoxin level and potassium level
Rationale: Nausea and visual changes may indicate digoxin toxicity; assessing serum drug and
potassium levels is essential for safe management.
Page 1 of 9
, Question 3: What is the primary therapeutic use of ACE inhibitors?
A. To lower blood pressure by inhibiting formation of angiotensin II.
B. To reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
C. To increase heart rate in bradycardia.
D. To block beta receptors in cardiac tissue.
Answer:A. To lower blood pressure by inhibiting formation of angiotensin II
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to
vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.
Question 4: A nurse administers morphine to a post-operative patient. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Hypertension.
B. Constipation.
C. Respiratory depression.
D. Diarrhea.
Answer:C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Morphine can depress the respiratory center; monitoring for respiratory
depression is critical for patient safety.
Question 5: Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with loop diuretic
use?
A. Hyperkalemia.
B. Hypokalemia.
C. Hypercalcemia.
D. Hyponatremia.
Answer:B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics cause loss of potassium in urine leading to hypokalemia, which
requires monitoring.
Question 6: A patient on warfarin therapy is found to have an elevated INR. Which
symptom requires urgent intervention?
A. Mild headache.
B. Easy bruising on arms.
C. Severe nosebleed.
D. Fatigue.
Answer:C. Severe nosebleed
Rationale: A severe nosebleed indicates active bleeding risk due to elevated INR and
requires immediate treatment.
Page 2 of 9
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
EXAM OVERVIEW
A concise exam question bank for fast review with focused practice, clear answers, and
rationale sections.
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of
beta-blockers?
A. Stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors to increase heart rate.
B. Block beta-adrenergic receptors leading to decreased heart rate and contractility.
C. Inhibit calcium influx in cardiac muscle causing vasodilation.
D. Activate alpha-adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction.
Answer:B. Block beta-adrenergic receptors leading to decreased heart rate and contractility
Rationale: Beta-blockers antagonize beta-adrenergic receptors, decreasing heart rate and
myocardial contractility, reducing cardiac workload.
Question 2: A patient prescribed digoxin complains of nausea and visual
disturbances. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Advise the patient to stop digoxin immediately.
B. Check the patient’s serum digoxin level and potassium level.
C. Increase the dose of digoxin as symptoms indicate inefficacy.
D. Administer an antiemetic and monitor symptoms.
Answer:B. Check the patient’s serum digoxin level and potassium level
Rationale: Nausea and visual changes may indicate digoxin toxicity; assessing serum drug and
potassium levels is essential for safe management.
Page 1 of 9
, Question 3: What is the primary therapeutic use of ACE inhibitors?
A. To lower blood pressure by inhibiting formation of angiotensin II.
B. To reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
C. To increase heart rate in bradycardia.
D. To block beta receptors in cardiac tissue.
Answer:A. To lower blood pressure by inhibiting formation of angiotensin II
Rationale: ACE inhibitors prevent conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to
vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.
Question 4: A nurse administers morphine to a post-operative patient. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Hypertension.
B. Constipation.
C. Respiratory depression.
D. Diarrhea.
Answer:C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Morphine can depress the respiratory center; monitoring for respiratory
depression is critical for patient safety.
Question 5: Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with loop diuretic
use?
A. Hyperkalemia.
B. Hypokalemia.
C. Hypercalcemia.
D. Hyponatremia.
Answer:B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics cause loss of potassium in urine leading to hypokalemia, which
requires monitoring.
Question 6: A patient on warfarin therapy is found to have an elevated INR. Which
symptom requires urgent intervention?
A. Mild headache.
B. Easy bruising on arms.
C. Severe nosebleed.
D. Fatigue.
Answer:C. Severe nosebleed
Rationale: A severe nosebleed indicates active bleeding risk due to elevated INR and
requires immediate treatment.
Page 2 of 9
